Patient/caregiver was educated on features to look for on a offset cane to enhance safety and comfort as follows:
- While using an offset cane, choosing/adjusting the offset cane to proper height is important to ensure better stability, improved safety, and fall prevention. An individual too short for the offset cane has to work hard to pick the offset cane up and move during ambulation. An individual too tall for the offset cane has to lean on to one side to hold the offset cane, which can compromise the balance and lead to fall.
- Stand upright against a wall wearing your regular walking shoes, with hands falling on the sides freely. You can choose a offset cane or adjust the height of offset cane such that the top of the offset cane should be level with the wrist of hand you plan to hold the offset cane in. You can also take the measurement from the floor to the wrist of the hand you plan to hold the offset cane with. This number plus or minus an inch is the about height of the offset cane you will be comfortable with. So, using a offset cane with adjustable height is advantageous, as it can allow some room to play around.
- Firm grip on the offset cane handle is important to prevent the device slipping out of control and contributing to a fall. Individuals with muscle weakness and weak grips can choose offset canes with ribbed handles to enhance the grip.
- Individuals with health conditions, such as, arthritis and gout, involving small joints of the hands, can have poor grip on the handle of the offset cane. The inflammation in the small joints of the hands limits the range of motion of the fingers and prevents the individual to form a firm grip. Offset canes with large handles, padded or foam handles can offer better grip for such individuals.
